Help for COPD and Depression

Having a chronic condition such as COPD can lead to depression. Having depression can keep you from sticking to your disease-management plan, including breathing exercises, medicine and good nutrition. You may also be tempted to cope with depression by relying on old habits such as smoking. Getting help for depression is essential for your health.

Depression alters the way you think and feel. It also affects your body. If any of these symptoms last two weeks or more, they may indicate depression:

Sadness, anxiety, irritability, or pessimism

Feeling guilty, worthless, hopeless, or helpless

Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed

Fatigue

Agitation, restlessness or slowed movement

Significant changes in sleep patterns or appetite, such as sleeping too much or too little

Significant changes in appetite, such as eating too much or too little

Trouble concentrating or making decisions

Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

Physical health concerns, such as headaches, other pain or digestive problems, that don’t improve with standard treatment

You can get help. Talk with your doctor about your symptoms. Depression is treatable with therapy, medicine or both. Remember, depression is an illness, not a character flaw. Together, you and your doctor can find the appropriate treatment for you. If you notice that your symptoms are worsening, contact your doctor or a mental health professional right away. With help, you can get better.

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